Whether you are at a community college, hospital, shopping mall, or other public place, you will likely see security guards patrolling the property. Property and business owners often hire these professionals to reduce crime and lower the risk of liability claims. Under Texas law, property owners have a duty to take reasonable steps to keep their premises safe.
Why Property Owners Hire Security Guards
Security guards primarily serve as crime deterrents. They patrol parking lots, walk common areas, and monitor entrances to discourage criminal activity. By maintaining a visible presence, they help prevent crimes before they occur.
Guards are expected to patrol attentively and without distractions. Their responsibilities include watching for vandalism, burglary, theft, assaults, carjackings, and robberies. In addition, they often communicate with local law enforcement to help identify suspicious behavior or assist with investigations.
Additional Duties Beyond Crime Prevention
However, security guards do more than deter crime. They also help enforce posted speed limits and property rules in parking lots and driveways. When guards notice unsafe conditions, they may report maintenance issues or block off hazardous areas to protect visitors.
For example, guards may retrieve runaway shopping carts, respond to alarms, control access to restricted areas, or monitor gates. As a result, their presence can significantly reduce accidents and injuries unrelated to criminal acts.
When Lack of Security Becomes a Legal Issue
Many property owners take these responsibilities seriously and invest in adequate security measures. Unfortunately, some fail to do so and leave visitor safety to chance.
If you suffer an injury in a parking lot due to criminal activity, poor maintenance, or inadequate security, you may have grounds to pursue a legal claim. In these cases, Texas premises liability law may hold the property or business owner responsible for failing to provide reasonable protection.
Legal Help After a Parking Lot Injury
If you were injured on someone else’s property, a Waco personal injury attorney can review your case and explain your legal options. Legal guidance can help determine whether you qualify to file a lawsuit and seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
Michael Zimmerman
Michael was born in Houston, Texas. His education at Baylor and Texas State Universities earned him a Bachelor of Science degree in 1987. His major was in Biology with a Minor in Chemistry. He finished his legal education at Texas Southern University in 1990, earning a Juris Doctorate from Thurgood Marshall School of Law. He was admitted to the State Bar of Texas in 1990.
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